Cougars get the season started on the course

WARDEN — The Warden Cougars got the golf season started off with a jamboree where they invited Okanogan, Cascade, Chelan and Riverside. Cougars boys Head Coach Tim Carlberg said it was a good way for the team to get warmed up against some familiar opponents as they prepare for the start of their season. 

“We just tried to mix the groups up to get everybody out on the course and a lot of the schools that came; they haven’t been able to get out on their own courses due to snow,” said Carlberg. “It’s something that we do annually that just gives them the chance to play a little bit and evaluate their teams, and we had the opportunity to take a look at our players.” 

Each golfer from the five teams shot the full 18-hole course over the duration of the meet, and while it wasn’t scored, it helped warm up the players for when the competition kicks up. The coach said the meet was held in scramble format where each team stuck together, and every golfer hit the ball and played from the best shot. 

After the day was concluded, he said the Warden players had finished the course on par. 

“I think everybody had a good time regardless of their skill level. Whether they were varsity players, JV players or middle schoolers that are just trying to learn for the first time,” he said. “Everybody contributed and had a good time.” 

Carlberg said he was already pleased with what he saw from his players, which has him excited for the prospects of the season. 

“I think our team’s going to be stronger than it was last year,” he said. “We’re a little deeper than we were last year so I thought it was really positive.” 

Warden is returning three state participants from last season with junior Jaden Hernandez and sophomores JJ Madsen and Everett Cox. Carlberg said all three golfers were strong in the league last season, and he expects that they will be competing for a spot at state again this season. 

Jerry Villegas is returning to the Cougars as a senior after taking last season off. The coach said he has already seen great things from Villegas early in the season and that the senior will provide good leadership for the team. 

At the start of each season, Carlberg said he has the players come up with both individual goals and team goals. One of the main goals of this season is to have the team make a return to state after bringing home a team trophy last season for the first time in around 30 years.  

“It’s all up to the guys, how hard they’re willing to work,” he said. “I have a bunch of kids this year that they seem to like being on the course, and they’re playing a lot in their spare time. I definitely see the improvement from last year to this year.” 

With the season getting underway, the coach said he wants to thank the ownership and management at Sage Hills Golf Course for their generous support in allowing the players to practice out on the course for free in their extra time. 

“Our program wouldn’t be where it is without Sage Hills Golf Course and the ownership that has always wanted our players to be a part of the community out there,” said Carlberg. “We just really appreciate everything they’ve done for us.” 

The Cougars are set to host Chelan Monday at 1 p.m. on Sage Hills Golf Course.  

    The rest of the Cougars golf team approaches the next hole as Jordan Martinez swings and Jaden Hernandez looks on.
  

    Aiden Castro eyes the fairway from the rough during a scramble last week to get the team prepped for competition.